Ethiopia: 23 people die at Kilinto prison inferno

The Ethiopian government has confirmed the death of 23 inmates in an inferno that ravaged the Kilinto prisons over the weekend.

The Government Communication Affairs Office (GCAO) confirmed the casualty figures to the FBC news outlet stating that 21 inmates died as a result of a stampede and suffocation. The remaining two were killed while trying to escape from the fire.

Two buildings were damaged by the fire. Materials including mattresses, blankets as well as recreational and other facilities used by the inmates were also damaged.

The statement further disclosed that nine injured inmates and police officers were receiving medical treatment.

Even though the source of the fire remains unknown, the police have opened an investigation after receiving bodies of the dead inmates. The Kilinto prison is on the outskirts of the capital, Addis Ababa.